Tennessee House Bill HB1115

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to the Tennessee higher education commission.

Impact

If passed, HB1115 would grant broader authority to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission in regulating public higher education programs. This change is intended to improve the accountability and performance of academic institutions through the potential elimination of programs that do not meet certain standards. The need for program evaluation and the ability to terminate underperforming programs positions this bill as a mechanism for ensuring that public education remains responsive to the needs of students and the economy.

Summary

House Bill 1115 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 49, which concerns the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. This bill provides the commission with the authority to require the governing board of a public institution of higher education to terminate an existing on-campus or off-campus academic program. The decision to terminate a program will be made based on several criteria, including the academic quality of the program, enrollment numbers, credential production, and overall cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

Overall, HB1115 seeks to modernize the framework for managing higher education programs in Tennessee, particularly in ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and programs remain relevant. While the intention is to enhance the quality of education, the implications of stripping program autonomy could provoke significant debate among stakeholders in the educational sector.

Contention

The bill may face opposition regarding the nature and process of program termination. Critics could argue that the criteria for assessing program quality and viability might be subjective, which could lead to the unjustified elimination of valuable programs. Additionally, the authority given to the commission raises concerns about oversight and the potential for bureaucratic overreach, with opponents advocating for more localized decision-making power for institutions themselves.